The interview process for the associate consultant role was characterised by pleasant and engaging interviewers who were genuinely interested in delving into my past experiences. Throughout the process, I appreciated that the questions asked weren't overly technical, allowing for a more holistic assessment of skills and fit for the role. However, it was transparently communicated by the hiring manager that the company couldn't offer a competitive starting salary, a warning that proved accurate upon receiving the offer. Despite being offered the role just four days after the interview, the overall impression was that the company couldn't overlook the fresh graduate status over relevant experience, which was somewhat disappointing.